definitions
  • synonyms

sexualize

[ sek-shoo-uh-lahyz or, esp. British, seks-yoo- ]
/ ˈsɛk ʃu əˌlaɪz or, esp. British, ˈsɛks yu- /
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR sexualize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), sex·u·al·ized, sex·u·al·iz·ing.

to render sexual; endow with sexual characteristics.

RELATED WORDS

sterilize, spay, mutilate, castrate, decontaminate, neuter, disinfect, sanitize, pasteurize, fix, change, doctor, unsex, geld, dress, alter, emasculate, purify, incapacitate, clean

Nearby words

sexual reproduction, sexual revolution, sexual selection, sexuality, sexualization, sexualize, sexually, sexually transmitted disease, sexually transmitted diseases, sexwale, sexy
Also especially British, sex·u·al·ise.

Origin of sexualize

First recorded in 1830–40; sexual + -ize
Related formssex·u·al·i·za·tion, nounde·sex·u·al·ize, verb (used with object), de·sex·u·al·ized, de·sex·u·al·iz·ing.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for desexualize (1 of 2)

desexualize

desexualise

/ (diːˈsɛksjʊəˌlaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to deprive of sexual characteristics by the surgical removal of the testicles or ovaries; castrate or spayOften shortened to: desex (diːˈsɛks)
Derived Formsdesexualization or desexualisation, noun

British Dictionary definitions for desexualize (2 of 2)

sexualize

sexualise

/ (ˈsɛksjʊəˌlaɪz) /

verb

to make or become sexual or sexually aware
to give or acquire sexual associations
Derived Formssexualization or sexualisation, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for desexualize

sexualize

v.

1839, from sexual + -ize. Related: Sexualized; sexualizing.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper